Renowned Bamenda-based folklore musician, John Minang is dead. Minang, who excelled in the Njang genre died on Tuesday June 2, after collapsing at a clinic in Ntarikon, Bamenda.

According to his family, the folklore artist had complained on Monday night that he was feeling a sharp pain in his hand. On Tuesday morning, Minang again complained of feeling as though he was about to have a stroke.

Following the complaints, family members rushed him to a modern traditional practitioner in Bafut, but on their arrival the doctor was not available. Minang was then brought back to Bamenda and taken to a private clinic in Ntarikon where he finally gave up the ghost.

Though exact details of the circumstances of his death is currently unknown, a close friend of the deceased told The Journal that the artist took ill from time to time.

Minang’s death came as a shock to many music lovers, friends and family members.

One of his friends and colleague, Ateh Bazore who spoke to our reporter after getting news of Minang’s demise said it was a shock to him. “I performed with John Minang in Bamenda on May 20. I can't imagine he is gone. It is a very great loss for us,” Bazore said.

Bazore described the departed artist as a creative and renowned musician who loved bringing younger ones closer to him.

In his capacity as president of the Association of Cameroon English Speaking Musicians, ACEM, Bazore said they are going to give the deceased, former North West regional president of ACEM, a dignified burial which he deserves.

To the national president of the Cameroon Association of Male and Female Musicians of Integrity, Acahfemi, Mbenkum Adeline, the departure of Minang is a big blow to the music industry.

While expressing deep condolences to Minang’s family, Mbenkum said they will miss him. “There is going to be a big gap,” she said.

Minang was famous for his bottle dance, especially the hit track – “Fine Fine Woman.”